Situational Interview

The Definition

Situational interviewing is a type of employment interview that aims to assess a candidate's ability to handle various real-life work situations. During this type of interview, an interviewer presents a candidate with hypothetical scenarios and asks how they would respond. The interviewer then evaluates the candidate's answers based on their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and overall suitability for the role.

How Does a Situational Interview Work?

In a situational interview, the interviewer creates a scenario that is likely to happen in the workplace and asks the candidate how they would respond. The scenario is usually specific to the job the candidate is applying for, and the interviewer may ask follow-up questions to clarify the candidate's thought process. For example, a candidate for a customer service role might be asked how they would handle an irate customer or resolve a dispute between two customers.

Benefits of Using Situational Interviews in HR

Situational interviews are becoming increasingly popular in HR because they provide a more accurate assessment of a candidate's ability to perform on the job. Instead of simply asking the candidate about their experience or qualifications, situational interviews give the interviewer a better idea of how the candidate would handle specific work-related situations. This can help identify potential red flags, such as a lack of problem-solving skills or poor communication abilities before the candidate is hired.

Conclusion

Situational interviews are an effective tool for assessing a candidate's suitability for a role. By presenting hypothetical scenarios that are specific to the job, interviewers can gain a better understanding of a candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and overall fit for the organization. 

If you're a job seeker, it's essential to prepare for situational interviews by researching the role and thinking through various scenarios that you may be asked to respond to. And if you're an HR professional, consider using situational interviews as part of your hiring process to ensure you find the best candidate for the job.